Spinal fixation devices and methods of use

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for spinal the treatment of abnormal spinal stability and stenosis of the spinal canal. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods provide treatment via decompression and/or fixation of the spinal canal. One or more implants are used to fixate the posterior column of a spinal segment compromised of the superior and inferior immediately adjacent vertebral bones. In one variant, these disclosed devices are used to fixate the posterior column of a spinal segment while another orthopedic implant is placed into the anterior column of the same spinal segment, thereby providing circumferential decompression.

PRIORITY

This application is a divisional of and claims priority to co-pendingand co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/841,373 filed on Mar.15, 2013 of the same title, issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 9,198,767, andclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/743,162 filed on Aug. 28, 2012 of the same title, and to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/797,177 filed on Dec. 1, 2012of the same title, each of the foregoing which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

This disclosure relates generally to bone fixation systems. In oneexemplary aspect, apparatus and methods are disclosed for implantplacement so as to adjust, align and maintain the spatialrelationship(s) of adjacent bones or bony fragments after e.g., surgicalreconstruction of skeletal segments.

2. Description of Related Technology

Whether from degenerative disease, traumatic disruption, infection orneoplastic invasion, alteration in the anatomical relationships betweenthe spinal vertebras can cause significant pain, deformity anddisability. Spinal disease is a major health problem in theindustrialized world and the surgical treatment of spinal pathology isan evolving discipline. The traditional surgical treatment of abnormalvertebral motion is the complete immobilization and bony fusion of theinvolved spinal segment and an extensive array of surgical techniquesand implantable devices have been formulated to accomplish the treatmentobjective.

Regardless of the specific objectives of surgery, many surgeons employimplantable devices that maintain the desired spatial relationship(s)between adjacent vertebral bodies. The effectiveness of these devices iscritically dependant on adequate fixation into the underlying bone.While screw fixation into the pedicle portion of the vertebral body hasemerged as a common method of device fixation, it remains a substantialoperation with multiple shortcomings.

Hence, it would be desirable to provide improved spinal fixation devicesand methods of their use.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure addresses the foregoing needs by disclosing,inter alia, apparatus and methods for the treatment of abnormal spinalstability and stenosis of the spinal canal by providing decompressionand/or fixation thereof.

In a first aspect, a method for bilaterial immobilization of a facetjoint is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes implantingone or more implants to fixate the posterior column of a spinal segmentcompromised of the superior and inferior immediately adjacent vertebralbones.

In another embodiment, the method comprises: (i) approaching a lateralaspect of an ipsilateral facet joint, the ipsilateral facet jointcomprising an inferior articulating process of a superior vertebral boneand a superior articulating process of an inferior vertebral bone, (ii)positioning a first segment of an orthopedic implant to abut a lateralside wall of the superior articulating process of the inferior vertebralbone, (iii) positioning a second segment of the orthopedic implant toextend medial to the ipsilateral facet joint, (iv) coupling a first bonefastener to the first segment of the orthopedic implant, (v) advancingthe first bone fastener from a lateral aspect to a medial aspect of theipsilateral facet joint, (vi) coupling a second bone fastener to thesecond segment of the orthopedic implant, and (vii) advancing the secondbone fastener from a medial to a lateral aspect of a contralateral facetjoint.

In yet another embodiment, the method includes: approaching a portion ofan facet joint, said facet joint comprising an first articulatingprocess of a first vertebral bone and a second articulating process of asecond vertebral bone; positioning a first segment of an orthopedicimplant to abut at least a portion of said second articulating processof said second vertebral bone; positioning a second segment of saidorthopedic implant to extend proximate to said facet joint; coupling afirst bone fastener to said first segment of said orthopedic implant;advancing said first bone fastener from a first aspect to a secondaspect of said facet joint; coupling a second bone fastener to saidsecond segment of said orthopedic implant; and advancing said secondbone fastener from a first aspect to a second aspect of a second facetjoint.

In a second aspect, a method of providing decompression of spinalstenosis is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises rigidlyfixating the superior articulating process (SAP) of an inferiorvertebral bone with the bony segment of an immediately superiorvertebral bone. In another embodiment, the method comprises:percutaneously placing an implant such that the superior articulatingprocess (SAP) of the inferior vertebral bone and the superiorarticulating process (SAP) of the immediately superior vertebral boneare retained in the distracted position.

In a third aspect, an orthopedic implant is disclosed. In oneembodiment, the implant includes a body configured to abut a lateralside wall of the superior articulating process of the inferior vertebralbone, and extend medial to the ipsilateral facet joint, and two bonefasteners configured to be accepted within respective portions of thebody. The first of the two bone fasteners is configured to be advancedfrom a lateral aspect to a medial aspect of the ipsilateral facet joint.The second of the two bone fasteners is configured to be advanced from amedial to a lateral aspect of a contralateral facet joint.

In a fourth aspect, a placement instrument for implanting an implantwithin a subject spine is disclosed. In one embodiment, the placementinstrument includes a first tissue dilator configured to be placedthrough a lateral corridor to a target implant location, one or moresecond tissue dilators of greater diameter than the first tissue dilatorand configured to be placed over the first tissue dilator, and adistraction device configured to be placed over the first and the one ormore second tissue dilators. The distraction device is furtherconfigured to be distracted such that the first and the one or moresecond tissue dilators may be removed and the implant implanted at thetarget implant location.

In another aspect, a method for immobilization of a facet joint isdisclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes: approaching a lateralaspect of a first facet joint that comprises an articulation between aninferior articulating process of a superior vertebral bone and asuperior articulating process of an immediately inferior vertebral bone;positioning a first segment of an orthopedic implant to abut a lateralside wall of the superior articulating process of the inferior vertebralbone; positioning a second segment of said orthopedic implant to extendmedial to a lateral side wall of said first facet joint; attaching thefirst segment to the lateral side wall of the superior articulatingprocess of the inferior vertebral bone; and attaching the second segmentto the lateral side wall of the first facet joint.

In another aspect, an orthopedic implant configured for attachment toand immobilization of a facet joint is disclosed. In one embodiment, theorthopedic implant includes: an elongate platform having a first end anda second opposing end; and an elongate element disposed at the secondend of the elongate platform. In this embodiment, the first end isconfigured to be attached to a lateral side wall of a superior articularprocess of an inferior vertebral bone of the facet joint. Further, theelongate element is configured to be attached to a lateral side wall ofa superior vertebral bone of the facet joint.

In yet another aspect, an orthopedic implant configured for attachmentto and immobilization of a facet joint including a superior vertebralbone and an immediately inferior vertebral bone is disclosed. In oneembodiment, the orthopedic implant includes: an anterior column implantconfigured to be positioned within a space between the superiorvertebral bone and the inferior vertebral bone; and a posterior columnimplant configured to be attached to a lateral side wall of a superiorarticular process of the inferior vertebral bone and a lateral side wallof the superior vertebral bone. In this embodiment, the orthopedicimplant provides circumferential decompression to the facet joint.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and description below. Other features, objects, and advantageswill be apparent from the following description, the accompanyingdrawings and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides multiple views of an exemplary spinal vertebral bone.

FIG. 2A is a view of an exemplary functional spinal unit (FSU), whichincludes two adjacent vertebrae and the intervertebral disc between themillustrating a posterior surface of the adjacent vertebrae and thearticulations between them.

FIG. 2B is an oblique view of the exemplary FSU of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a patient placed in a lateraldecubitus.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the torso at the level of the lumbarspine illustrating a flank approach for use with the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the posterior aspect of apatient.

FIG. 6A is a side perspective view of a subject spine having anexemplary implant positioned within the L4/L5 disc space.

FIG. 6B is a side perspective view of a subject spine having anexemplary cylindrical tissue dilator placed between L4 and L5.

FIGS. 7A-7B are side perspective views of a subject spine having asecond exemplary tissue dilator placed over the tissue dilator of FIG.6B.

FIGS. 8A-8B are side perspective views of a subject spine having a thirdtissue dilator placed over the tissue dilator of FIGS. 7A-7B.

FIG. 9A is a side perspective view of a subject spine having exemplarytubular half-receptacles placed over the tissue dilator of FIGS. 8A-8B.

FIG. 9B is a side perspective view of a subject spine having exemplarytubular half-receptacles in position and having the tissue dilators ofFIGS. 6B, 7A-7B, and 8A-8B removed.

FIGS. 10A-10B are side perspective views of a subject spine havingexemplary tubular half-receptacles in a distracted position and preparedfor implantation of an exemplary implant.

FIG. 11 are side perspective views of an exemplary implant for use withthe present disclosure.

FIG. 12 are orthogonal views of the exemplary implant of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the exemplary implant of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a lateral perspective view of a subject spine having anexemplary implant positioned therein according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 15 is a posterior view of a subject spine having an exemplaryimplant positioned therein according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is an oblique view of a subject spine having an exemplaryimplant positioned therein according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 17A is a lateral view of a subject spine having an exemplary screwadvanced therein according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 17B is a posterior view of a subject spine illustrating anexemplary trajectory for advancement of the exemplary screw of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 17C is an axial plane view of a subject spine illustrating anexemplary trajectory for advancement of the exemplary screw of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18 is a posterior view of a subject spine illustrating an exemplarytrajectory for advancement of the exemplary screw of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 19 is a posterior view of a subject spine illustrating anattachment of an exemplary implant.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an exemplary assembled implantaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the exemplary implant of FIG. 20.

FIGS. 22A and 22 B are sectional views of the exemplary implant of FIG.20.

FIG. 23 is multiple perspective views of a portion of the assembledimplant of FIG. 20.

FIG. 24A is a side perspective view of a head portion of an exemplaryscrew for use with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 24B and 24C are top views illustrating rotation of the exemplaryscrew of FIG. 24A into an immobilized position.

FIG. 25 is a lateral perspective view of a subject spine illustrating anattachment of an exemplary implant.

FIG. 26 is an oblique view of a subject spine illustrating an attachmentof an exemplary implant as in FIG. 25.

All Figures © Copyright 2013. Samy Abdou. All rights reserved.

OVERVIEW

In one aspect, improved apparatus and methods for spinal the treatmentof abnormal spinal stability and stenosis of the spinal canal byproviding decompression and/or fixation thereof are disclosed. In oneexemplary implementation, one or more implants are used to fixate theposterior column of a spinal segment compromised of the superior andinferior immediately adjacent vertebral bones. In one variant, thesedisclosed devices are used to fixate the posterior column of a spinalsegment while another orthopedic implant is placed into the anteriorcolumn of the same spinal segment.

Exemplary methods for implantation are also disclosed. In one particularembodiment, the implant is percutaneously placed and used to providedecompression of spinal stenosis by retaining the superior articulatingprocess (SAP) of the inferior vertebral bone and the superiorarticulating process (SAP) of the immediately superior vertebral bone inthe distracted position.

The exemplary embodiments of the herein-described methods and devicesprovide circumferential decompression of the spinal canal viaimplantation of an anterior and a posterior implant. Specifically, inone particular embodiment, an anterior column implant is used todistract the implanted disc space from a pre-implantation vertical discspace height to the greater vertical disc space height afterimplantation, and posterior column implant is used to simultaneouslydistract the posterior column of the implanted FSU. In this manner,spinal canal is decompressed circumferentially—anteriorly by theanterior implant and posteriorly by the posterior implant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to promote an understanding of the principals of thedisclosure, reference is made to the drawings and the embodimentsillustrated therein. Nevertheless, it is understood that the drawingsare illustrative and no limitation of the scope of the claims is therebyintended. Any such alterations and further modifications in theillustrated embodiments, and any such further applications of theprinciples of the disclosed devices as illustrated herein arecontemplated as would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in theart.

Described herein are devices, systems and methods for the treatment ofabnormal spinal stability and stenosis of the spinal canal. In anembodiment, one or more implants are used to fixate the posterior columnof a spinal segment compromised of the superior and inferior immediatelyadjacent vertebral bones. The disclosed devices may be used alone orimplanted into the spinal segment in conjunction with other orthopedicimplants. In an exemplary embodiment, these disclosed devices are usedto fixate the posterior column of a spinal segment while anotherorthopedic implant is placed into the anterior column of the same spinalsegment. The anterior column implant is installed in the spinal columnusing a lateral or an anterior approach to the anterior column (theseoperations are collectively known as ALIF, XLIF, DLIF and the like). Inone particular embodiment, the anterior column implant is implanted intothe subject first. However, it is appreciated that either the anteriorimplant or the posterior column implant may be placed first into thesubject.

Posterior fixation employs a device and method to rigidly fixate thesuperior articulating process (SAP) of an inferior vertebral bone withthe bony segment of an immediately superior vertebral bone. In oneparticular embodiment of device use, the implant is percutaneouslyplaced and used to provide decompression of spinal stenosis by retainingthe superior articulating process (SAP) of the inferior vertebral boneand the superior articulating process (SAP) of the immediately superiorvertebral bone in the distracted position.

In one embodiment of a method of device use, both anterior and posteriorimplants may be placed through a single lateral skin incision or twoimmediately adjacent skin incisions. Further, this method providescircumferential (i.e., anterior and posterior) expansion anddecompression of the spinal canal so as to treat spinal stenosis thoughsimultaneous anterior and posterior decompression of the spinal canal.That is, the anterior column implant is used to distract the implanteddisc space from a pre-implantation vertical disc space height to thegreater vertical disc space height after implantation. (The term discspace height is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art andgenerally refers to the vertical distance of the disc space as measuredfrom the inferior bone surface of the vertebral bone forming thesuperior border of the disc space to the superior bone surface of the ofthe vertebral bone forming the inferior border of the disc space.) Theposterior column implant is used to simultaneously distract theposterior column of the implanted FSU. In this way, the spinal canal isdecompressed circumferentially—anteriorly by the anterior implant andposteriorly by the posterior implant. In application within a lateralapproach to the spinal column, the method allows the spinal canal to becircumferentially decompressed by a single (or two immediately adjacent)incision(s).

As used herein, the anterior column generally designates a portion ofthe vertebral body and/or Functional Spinal Unit (FSU) that is situatedanterior to the posterior longitudinal ligament. Thus, its use in thisapplication encompasses both the anterior and middle column of Denis(see “The three column spine and its significance in the classificationof acute thoracolumbar spinal injuries.” Denis, F. Spine 1983November-December; 8(8):817-31, which is incorporated by reference inits entirety.) The illustrations and definitions of anatomicalstructures are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. They aredescribed in more detail in Atlas of Human Anatomy, by Frank Netter,third edition, Icon Learning Systems, Teterboro, N.J. The text is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. It should be appreciated thatthe directional language and terms regarding orientation such as upper,lower, upward, downward etc. are used throughout merely for convenienceof description and are not intended to be limiting.

FIG. 1 shows various diagrammatic representations of a spinal vertebralbone 802 in multiple views. For clarity of illustration, the vertebralbone of FIG. 1 and those of other illustrations disclosed herein arerepresented schematically and it should be appreciated that actualvertebral bodies may include anatomical details that are not shown inthese figures. Further, it is understood that the vertebral bones at agiven level of the spinal column of a human or animal subject containanatomical features that may not be present at other levels of the samespinal column. The illustrated vertebral bones are intended togenerically represent vertebral bones at any spinal level withoutlimitation. The disclosed devices and methods may be applied at anyapplicable spinal level.

Vertebral bone 802 contains an anteriorly-placed vertebral body 804, acentrally placed spinal canal 806 and posteriorly-placed lamina 808. Thepedicle segments 810 of vertebral bone 802 form the lateral aspect ofthe spinal canal 806 and connect the laminas 808 to the vertebral body804. The spinal canal 806 contains neural structures such as the spinalcord and/or nerves. A midline protrusion termed the spinous process SPextends posteriorly from the medial aspect of laminas 808. A protrusionextends laterally from each side of the posterior aspect of thevertebral bone 802 and is termed the transverse process TP. A righttransverse process RTP extends to the right and a left transverseprocess LTP extends to the left. A superior protrusion extendssuperiorly above the lamina 808 on each side of the vertebral midlineand is termed the superior articulating process SAP. An inferiorprotrusion extends inferiorly below the lamina 808 on each side of thevertebral midline and is termed the inferior articulating process IAP.Note that the posterior aspect of the pedicle 810 can be accessed at anindentation 811 in the vertebral bone 802 between the lateral aspect ofthe SAP and the medial aspect of the transverse process TP. In surgery,it can be common practice to anchor a bone fastener into the pedicleportion 810 of a vertebral bone 802 by inserting the fastener throughindentation 811 and into the underlying pedicle 810.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a (Functional Spinal Unit) FSU, whichincludes two adjacent vertebrae and the intervertebral disc betweenthem. The intervertebral disc resides between the inferior surface ofthe upper vertebral body and the superior surface of the lower vertebralbody, although it is not specifically shown in the figures. FIG. 2Ashows the posterior surface of the adjacent vertebrae and thearticulations between them. FIG. 2B shows an oblique view. The FSUcontains a three joint complex between the two vertebral bones, with theintervertebral disc comprising the anterior joint. The posterior jointsinclude a facet joint 814 on each side of the midline, wherein the facetjoint 814 contains the articulation between the IAP of the superiorvertebral bone and the SAP of the inferior bone.

The interspinous space is generally defined as the space immediatelybetween the spinous processes of a superior vertebral bone and thespinous process of an immediately adjacent inferior vertebral bone. Theinterspinous space is limited anteriorly by the spinal canal 806 andposteriorly by the posterior tip of the spinous processes. The rightlateral aspect of the interspinous space is limited by the right lateralside of the spinous processes whereas the left lateral aspect of theinterspinous space is limited by the left lateral side of the spinousprocesses. Note that the spinous processes of adjacent vertebral bonesmay be rotated in the axial plane relative to one another because ofbiological and/or individual variation (schematically shown in FIG. 2).The interspinous space would continue to be defined as residing betweenthe spinous processes of the superior and inferior vertebral bones.

As mentioned above, some device embodiments perform a spacing functionwherein they distract and separate the ipsilateral superior articulatingprocesses (SAPs) of each of the inferior and superior vertebral bones ofthe functional spinal unit to be fixated. It also fixates andimmobilizes the SAPs of these two adjacent vertebral bones. Thesedevices can be implanted using a lateral approach with the patient inthe lateral decubitus position. (An example of a patient placed in thelateral decubitus in shown in FIG. 3.) While the patient is positionedin the lateral decubitus position, an anterior column implant may beplaced through a skin incision at or about “X”. The same or a closelyadjacent skin incision is also used to place the posterior columnimplant.

It is contemplated that the fixation devices described herein areparticularly adapted to be placed through a lateral surgical approach tothe spine that starts with a surgical incision within the patient'sflank (i.e., side aspect of the abdominal cavity). The fixation devicesdescribed herein are also particularly adapted for use in stabilizingthe posterior aspect of a spinal segment when a second orthopedicimplant is implanted into the disc space of that segment using alateral, or flank, approach to the disc space. While the lateralapproach is employed in the above-described method of use, theimplantation procedure of the device is by no means limited to a lateralapproach to the interspinous space. That is, it is appreciated that thefixation devices described herein may be used with any surgical approachto the posterior aspect of the spine and the disclosed fixation devicescan be positioned in the spine using any appropriate surgical methodand/or surgical corridor.

As noted, the fixation devices may be implanted into the lumbar spineusing a flank incision and a lateral approach. The spinal level ofdesired device implantation can be localized under X-ray guidance.Referring to FIG. 4, a skin incision can be placed in the flank at theapproximate cephalad-caudal level of the implantation site on the spine.FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of the torso at the level ofthe lumbar spine. For clarity of illustration, the contents arerepresented schematically and those skilled in the art will appreciatethat an actual cross section of the human torso may include anatomicaldetails not shown in FIG. 4.

In preparation for percutaneous placement of the implant into a spinallevel, the patient can be, but is not necessarily, placed in a prone orlateral decubitus position. (An example of a patient placed in a lateraldecubitus in shown in FIG. 3.) The level of the spine that is to beimplanted can be localized on X-ray in at least one plane. After thecustomary sterile preparation of the operative site, the surgeon canlocalize an incision point on the skin that is substantially directlylateral to the spinal segment that is to be implanted. FIG. 5 shows aschematic representation of the posterior aspect of a patient. Lines Yapproximate the lateral extent of the transverse processes of the spinalcolumn. Assuming that the spinal level to be accessed is at line Z, thesurgeon can make an incision at or about circle X.

A lateral corridor “Y” (FIG. 4) can be made from the flank, through thepsoas muscle 116 and onto the lateral aspect of the disc space at thespinal level to be implanted. An implant can be placed through thecorridor Y and into disc space or onto the spine. The procedure is knownto those skilled in the art and known by differing names, such as the“XLIF” procedure (see “Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF): a novelsurgical technique for anterior lumbar interbody fusion.” By Ozgur,Aryan et al. in Spine J. 2006 July-August; 6(4):435-43, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.) Variations of the operationare also known as Direct Lateral Interbody Fusion (DLIF) and the like.

A second lateral corridor “Z” (FIG. 4) can be made from the flank,through the posterior tissues lateral to the spine and onto the lateralaspect of the ipsilateral SAP of the superior and inferior vertebralbones to be immobilized. While Corridor Y and Corridor Z are shownschematically as exiting the skin 118 of the flank at two differentsites, both corridors can be made through a single, common skin incisionon the patient's flank. That is, a single incision is made through theskin 118 then a first sub-cutaneous trajectory is used to form theanterior Corridor Y and a second sub-cutaneous trajectory is used toform the posterior Corridor Z. The devices disclosed herein can beimplanted into the posterior aspect of a functional spinal unit using aCorridor Z and, at the same operation; an implant can be placed into oronto the anterior column (including disc space) of the same functionalspinal unit using a Corridor Y.

An exemplary method of device implantation is now illustrated. In anembodiment, a functional spinal unit FSU can be targeted forimmobilization and fusion. FIG. 6A shows an illustrated spine withimplant 305 positioned within the L4/L5 disc space. The level to befused is the functional spinal unit FSU that includes the L4 and L5vertebral bones and the intervening disc. An anterior column implant 305is implanted into the L4/L5 disc space. In one particular embodiment,the anterior column implant is placed first, and the posterior columnimplant is subsequently placed. In one embodiment, the implant 305 isplaced into the disc space using a true lateral, trans-psoas approach,wherein a lateral surgical corridor such as Corridor Y (FIG. 4) is usedto access the disc space. A lateral corridor, such as Corridor Z, can beused to implant fixation device 105. In one embodiment, the anteriorimplant 305 is implanted first. It is noted that a different level ofthe spine may be targeted for immobilization in another embodiment. Forclarity of illustration, the vertebral bones of the illustrationspresented herein are represented schematically and those skilled in theart will appreciate that actual vertebral bodies may include anatomicaldetails that are not shown in these figures. It is also understood thatthe totality of the operation—from selection of the target level toimplant to the final placement of implant—can be performed under X-rayguidance. Further, the operation can be performed using percutaneous orminimally invasive surgical techniques with or without the aid ofelectrophysiological monitoring. The later include techniques such aselectromyography (EMG), somato-sensory and motor evoked potential andthe like. The techniques are intended to alert the operating surgeon tothe presence of nerves and other neural elements within the surgicalcorridor. EMG identification of nerves permits the surgeon to navigatethe surgical site with increased safety and to lessen the possibility ofnerve injury.

A corridor Z is developed through the soft tissues from the skinincision to the lateral aspect of the SAP of the inferior vertebral boneof the FSU to be fused. The corridor can be developed using a variety ofmethods. As is known in the art, a wire or tissue dilator of smalldiameter may be percutaneously passed onto the lateral aspect of thetarget SAP using radiographic guidance. A dilator of larger diameter isthen passed over the initial dilator. The process is repeated/reiteratedwith tissue dilators of progressively greater diameter until the desiredsize corridor is developed.

As an alternative step, an expandable retractor may be placed at adesired point of the iterative dilation process and the corridor can beexpanded by direct expansion of the retractor. This process isillustrated in FIGS. 6-10. FIG. 6A shows the anterior column implant 305having been placed into the L4/5 disc space. Implant 305 is placed thedisc space by developing a lateral corridor Y (substantially similar tothat of FIG. 4). Tissue dilators are placed from the skin, through thepsoas muscle and guided onto the ipsilateral side of the L4/5 discspace. The soft tissue is sequentially dilated by passing dilators ofprogressively greater diameter and then positioning a tissue distractoras the final dilation step. (While sequential dilation is not shown forplacement of implant 305 into anterior column, it is shown in FIGS. 6-10for placement of implant 105 into the posterior column. The procedurefor implant 305 placement is similar to that shown in FIGS. 6-10.) Thedistractor is opened and an L4/5 discectomy is performed. The implant305 may be a fusion implant comprised of an internal cavity configuredto house a bone graft material. The implant 305 is sized to extend fullyfrom the ipsilateral lateral border of the implanted disc space (L4/5 inthis illustration) to the contralateral lateral border of the discspace. In this way, the implant is positioned to rest upon theepipheseal ring of the vertebral bones that border the implanted discspace.

FIG. 6B shows a cylindrical tissue dilator 900 placed through a lateralcorridor, such as Corridor Z, to a region that is substantially inbetween the ipsilateral SAP of L4 and ipsilateral SAP of L5. In oneparticular embodiment, the distal tip of the tissue dilator ispositioned in proximity to the lateral aspect of the superior portion ofthe ipsilateral SAP of L5. FIGS. 7A-7B show the placement of a secondtissue dilator 905 of greater diameter over the first tissue dilator900. FIGS. 8A-8B show the placement of a third tissue dilator 910 ofstill greater diameter over the second tissue dilator 905. FIGS. 9A-9Billustrate the placement of a distraction device having tubularhalf-receptacles 915 that are of greater diameter than the third tissuedilator 910. Half-receptacles 915 can be advanced to target location byadvancing the distractor atop the third tissue dilator 910. Afterplacement of receptacles 915, the tissue dilators can be removed leavinga central channel 920 to the inter-spinous space (FIG. 9B). Thedistraction device 925 can be used to distract each half receptacle 915,as shown in FIG. 10A. FIG. 10B shows implant 105 immediately prior toadvancement through channel 920 and onto the spine. (FIGS. 14-16illustrate the implanted implant 105 after removal of the distractiondevice 925/receptacles 915.) Note that the distraction device 925illustrated is generic and that one of ordinary skill in art can provideother distraction devices or even sequential tissue dilatation withprogressively larger tissue dilators that may produce the expandedtissue channel for device implantation. Further, each dilatation stepcan be checked by intra-operative x-rays at the time of each tissuedilator placement. EMG (and other electrophysiological monitoringtechniques) may be utilized to identify nerve elements and increaseprocedure safety.

An embodiment of the implant 105 is shown in perspective viewed in FIG.11. The device is shown in orthogonal views in FIG. 12 and in sectionalviews in FIG. 13. Implant 105 includes a generally flat, elongateplatform having a first surface 120 that contains bone-engaging members1202 and an opposite, second surface 123. Members 1202 may generallyhave a tapered tip and members 1202 may be conical, pyramidal (withthree or four sides, for example) or comprised of any appropriategeometric configuration.

The first surface 120 can have one or more elements 126. Elements 126can contain an internal bore 1262 that extends in the direction of thelong axis of element 126 and from its first end to its second end. Whilenot shown, it is further contemplated that the circumferential wall ofelement 126 may contain at least one full thickness hole 1266 thatextends from inner bore 1262 to the outer surface of element 126; thehole would permit the communication between the contents of bore 1262and structures external to element 126. For example, bone formingmaterial that is positioned within bore 1262 can form a bone fusion massacross the hole(s) and fuse with the bone members that are positionedoutside of element 126 and in proximity to it. Finally, one or more fullthickness bores 128 extend from surface 123 to 120.

In use, implant 105 is passed through the developed corridor Z (andthrough the distracted port of distractor 925) and onto the regionbetween the lateral aspect of the ipsilateral SAP of the L4 and L5vertebral bones. (Note, the term “ipsilateral” is used here to specifythat the implant is positioned on the same side of the mid-sagittalplane (a vertical plane through the midline of the subject's body thatdivides it into a right half and a left half) as the site of the skinincision. Likewise, the term “contralateral” would specify a position onthe opposite side of the mid-sagittal plane from the site of skinincision.) A view of the lateral surface of the spine is shown in FIG.14 with implant 105 positioned in the posterior column and implant 305positioned in the anterior column. FIG. 15 shows a view of the posterioraspect of the spine while FIG. 16 illustrates an oblique view. In oneembodiment, a bone screw is positioned into bore 128 and used to fixatethe adjacent L4/5 facet joint. That is, bone screw 201 is advanced fromlateral to medial direction through the lateral wall of the ipsilateralSAP of the L5 vertebral bone, through the space of the ipsilateral L4/5joint and into the ipsilateral IAP of the L4 vertebral bone. In thisway, screw 201 rigidly affixes and immobilizes the ipsilateral L4/5facet joint by providing screw fixation of the SAP of L5 onto the IAP ofL4 of that joint. Note that spike members 1202 may be also driven intothe lateral surface of the ipsilateral SAP of L5 in order to provideadditional fixation of implant 105 onto bone.

As can be seen in FIGS. 14 to 16, element 126 of the implant 105 ispositioned posterior to the ipsilateral pars interarticularis of the L4vertebral bone. In this position, the superior surface of element 126abuts the inferior surface of the ipsilateral SAP of L4 vertebral bonewhereas the inferior surface of element 126 abuts the superior surfaceof the ipsilateral SAP of the L5 vertebral bone. In this way, element126 functions as a spacer that prevents the movement of the ipsilateralSAP of L4 towards the ipsilateral SAP of L5, and thus prevents vertebralextension. Element 126 also distracts the SAP of L4 and L5 from a lesserpre-implantation distance to a greater post-implantation distance—andthe amount of distraction is dependent on the size of element 126 (i.e.,the distance between the outer superior surface and outer inferiorsurface of element 206). Element 126 can have an internal bore, asshown, or it can be a solid member. Further, element 126 can bemanufactured from a rigid material and/or a compressible/resilientmaterial wherein the implant provides a cushioned stop to vertebralextension (whereas a rigid material would provide a “hard” stop tovertebral extension). In an embodiment, element 126 can have fullthickness bore holes that extend from the exterior wall of element 126to internal bore 1262. In this way, a bone forming material can beplaced within bore 1262 and used to form a fusion across the fullthickness bore holes of the exterior walls of element 126 so as to fusethe bone forming material of bore 1262 with the ipsilateral SAP of L4,the ipsilateral SAP of L5 or both. (Note that fusion with both the SAPof L4 and L5 would effectively fuse the L4 and L5 vertebral bones byforming a solid fusion mass from the inferior aspect of the SAP of L4through bores 1262 and onto the SAP of L5.) In addition, a screw 205 maybe also passed thorough bore 1262 (with or without concurrent boneforming material within bore 1262) and onto the spinous process of theL4 vertebral bone to provide an additional point of bony fixation forimplant 105. Finally, note that the superior aspect of element 126 maybe also positioned to abut the inferior aspect of the ipsilateral L3 IAPand so as to concurrently limit the extent of vertebral extensionbetween the L3 and L4 vertebral bones. That is, element 126 extendsacross distance “M” (FIG. 18), which extends from the inferior surfaceof the ipsilateral L3 IAP (approximated by Line A) to the superiorsurface of the ipsilateral L5 IAP (approximated by Line B), andnecessarily limits vertebral extension between the L3 and L5 vertebralbones.

It is further contemplated that a bone screw 211 may be used to fixatethe contralateral L4/5 facet joint (i.e., the L4/5 facet joint that iscontralateral to the site of skin incision). Screw 211 is shown in FIGS.15 and 16. The screw is used to traverse the contralateral L4/5 facetjoint from a medial to lateral direction, wherein the screw enters thecontralateral L4 IAP, crosses the contralateral L4/5 facet joint spaceand then enters the contralateral L5 SAP. The trajectory of facet screwplacement is shown in FIG. 17. To place screw 201 into the ipsilateralL4/5 facet, the lateral surface of the ipsilateral L5 SAP is identifiedon radiographic imaging. The screw 201 is advanced into the lateralsurface of the ipsilateral L5 SAP at or about the region “X” of FIG. 17A(note that a lateral view of the spine is shown in FIG. 17A). The screw201 is advanced medially through the facet joint space and into theipsilateral L4 IAP. The placement trajectory of screw 201 isapproximated by trajectory “A” of FIGS. 17B and 17C. (FIG. 17Billustrates the posterior aspect of the vertebral bones. FIG. 17C showsan axial plane view of the vertebrae.)

To place a screw 211 into the contralateral L4/5 joint, the lateralsurface of the ipsilateral L5 SAP is identified on radiographic imagingand the screw 211 is passed immediately posterior to the ipsilateralL4/5 joint (which is concurrently posterior to the ipsilateral L5 SAP)as shown by region “Y” of FIG. 17A. The placement trajectory of screw211 is approximated by trajectory “B” of FIGS. 17B and 18. Note thatscrew 211 is advanced through the L4/5 interspinous space (between thespinous processes of L4 and L5) and onto the medial aspect of thecontralateral L4 IAP. The screw 211 is advanced into the contralateralL4 IAP, across the contralateral L4/5 facet joint space and into thecontralateral L5 SAP. In an exemplary screw trajectory, screw 211 isaimed anteriorly after it passes the posterior edge of the ipsilateralL4/5 joint—as shown by trajectory “B” in FIG. 17C.

It is understood that while screws 201 and 211 have been shown implantedwith implant 105, they may alternatively be implanted alone. That is,after placement of implant 305 through the lateral flank incision andcorridor Y, the same lateral skin incision (or a separate butimmediately adjacent lateral skin incision) is used to advance a facetscrew 201 into the ipsilateral L4/5 facet joint as described above andshown in FIG. 17 (using trajectory A). Similarly, screw 211 is advanced(through the same skin incision used to place screw 201) across thevertebral midline and into the contralateral L4/5 facet joint usingtrajectory B and as described above and shown in FIG. 17. Note thatthese facet screws may be placed alone and without the concurrentplacement of device 105. Whether or not device 105 is employed, adistractor may be positioned between the ipsilateral L4 SAP andipsilateral L5 SAP to distract the posterior aspect of the L4 and L5vertebral bones and decompress the spinal canal. The distraction isperformed before placement of either screw 201 or 211. The distractionis then removed after placement of one or both screws 201 and 211,wherein the screws maintain the vertebral bones in the distractedposition. Alternatively, another method of distraction of the posteriorelements may be employed before facet screw placement. For example, thedistraction device may be positioned within the inter-spinous space andused to distract the spinous process of the superior vertebral bone(i.e., L4) from the spinous process of the inferior vertebral bone(i.e., L5). After placement of facet screws 201 and/or 211, thedistraction device may be removed (if intended for temporary use) orleft positioned within the subjective (if intended for implantation).

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of implant 105 wherein the contralateralL4/5 facet screw is placed directly through bore 1262. In thisvariation, a screw 205 may be passed thorough bore 1262 (with or withoutconcurrent bone forming material within bore 1262) and into thecontralateral L4/5 facet screw. In this trajectory, screw 205 may extendthrough a portion of the contralateral L4 lamina. Additional screws(such as independent screw 211) may be placed into the contralateralL4/5 facet joint, if desired. Additionally, element 126 can have fullthickness bore holes that extend from the exterior wall of element 126to internal bore 1262. In this way, a bone forming material can beplaced within bore 1262 and used to form a fusion with the adjacent boneacross the full thickness bore holes of the exterior walls of element126.

In one embodiment, a locking feature/mechanism may be present todirectly lock screw 201 and/or screw 205 to implant 105. The lockingmechanism prevents screw back-out. The locking feature also rigidlyimmobilizes screw 201 and/or 205 to member 105 so that screw rotation isabolished. While illustrated here, a locking feature may be added to anydevice embodiment that is disclosed in this application. Further, any ofthe many known screw-to-plate locking mechanism may be alternativelyused.

FIGS. 20-23 illustrate the embodiment of implant 105 that is shownaffixed to bone in FIG. 19. The device contains locking features as willbe discussed below. Implant 105 is shown in FIG. 20 (perspective views),FIG. 21 (exploded view) and FIG. 22 (sectional views). Implant 105includes a generally flat, elongate platform having a first surface 120that contains bone-engaging members 1202 and an opposite, second surface123. Members 1202 may generally have a tapered tip and members 1202 maybe conical, pyramidal or comprised of any appropriate geometricconfiguration.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, element 126 can contain an internal bore 1262that extends in the direction of the long axis of the element 126 andfrom its first end to its second end. The circumferential wall ofelement 126 may contain one or more full thickness cut-outs (forexample, 1266) that extend from inner bore 1262 to the outer surface ofelement 126. A first end of bore 1262 permits the passage of both thethreaded shank and the head portions of screw 205, whereas the opposingsecond end of bore 1262 is sized to be of greater diameter than theshank of screw 205, but of lesser diameter than its head portion. Inthis way, the head of screw 205 is retained within bore 1262 when thescrew 205 is passed there through. The wall of bore 1262 is at leastpartially threaded (1264). Locking member 270 is sized to fit withinbore 1262 and has threads 272 that cooperatively engage threads 1264 ofelement 126. An indentation 274 is positioned at a first end of member270 and configured to accept a driver that can exert a rotational forceonto member 270. The opposing end of member 270 has a curvilinear orconical cavity 278 that permits the head portion of screw 205 torotationally move therein. With forceful advancement of member 270within bore 1262, the head portion of screw 205 can be captured andrigidly immobilized within cavity 278.

One or more full thickness bores 128 extend from surface 123 to 120 andare configured to accept the head portion of screw 201. The opening ofbore 128 onto surface 120 is sized to be of greater diameter than theshank of screw 201, but of lesser diameter than its head portion. Inthis way, the head of screw 201 is retained within bore 128 when thescrew 201 is passed there through. A locking screw 290 has threads 2902and an indentation on its head portion that accepts a complimentarydriver. A cut-out 2904 is positioned on a side of the head of screw290—as shown in FIG. 24A. When cut-out 2904 is aligned with bore 280 (asshown in FIG. 24B), the head of screw 201 is free to rotate within bore280. With rotation of screw 290 to the position illustrated in FIG. 24C,the head portion of screw 201 is at least retained within bore 280. Thehead of screw 201 may be rigidly immobilized relative to implant 105when screw 290 is positioned as shown in FIG. 24C.

Implant 105 was shown attached to bone in FIG. 19 and again in FIG. 25.With surface 120 positioned to abut lateral surface of the ipsilateralL5 SAP, element 126 may be implanted at the illustrated position(posterior to the Pars interarticularis of L4), rotated to rest atposition “S” (posterior to the Pars Interarticularis of L5), orpositioned at any point there between (as depicted by range “R”). Sinceelement 126 remains positioned substantially posterior the ipsilateralL4/5 facet joint, screw 205 is in position to directly reach and fixatethe contralateral L4/5 facet joint.

In FIG. 26, element 126 is positioned substantially at the position “S”of FIG. 25 and separates the ipsilateral L5 SAP and ipsilateral S1 SAP.Screw 205 may positioned directly into the contra lateral L4/5 joint.Alternatively, screw 205 may be affixed to L5 spinous process. Anadditional screw 211 may be placed into the contra-lateral L4/5 facetjoint. (Note that in this construct, L4/L5 FSU is immobilized and willbe fused, while L5/S1 FSU remains mobile but with the vertebralextension thereof is limited by element 126.)

The disclosed device embodiments or any of their components can be madeof any biologically adaptable or compatible materials. Materialsconsidered acceptable for biological implantation are well known andinclude, but are not limited to, stainless steel, titanium, tantalum,combination metallic alloys, various plastics (such as PEEK and thelike), resins, ceramics, biologically absorbable materials and the like.Any components may be also coated/made with osteo-conductive (such asdeminerized bone matrix, hydroxyapatite, and the like) and/orosteo-inductive (such as Transforming Growth Factor “TGF-B,”Platelet-Derived Growth Factor “PDGF,” Bone-Morphogenic Protein “BMP,”and the like) bio-active materials that promote bone formation. Further,any surface may be made with a porous ingrowth surface (such as titaniumwire mesh, plasma-sprayed titanium, tantalum, porous CoCr, and thelike), provided with a bioactive coating, made using tantalum, and/orhelical rosette carbon nanotubes (or other carbon nanotube-basedcoating) in order to promote bone in-growth or establish a mineralizedconnection between the bone and the implant, and reduce the likelihoodof implant loosening. Lastly, the system or any of its components canalso be entirely or partially made of a shape memory material or otherdeformable material.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of what is claimed or of what maybe claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific toparticular embodiments. Certain features that are described in thisspecification in the context of separate embodiments can also beimplemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures that are described in the context of a single embodiment canalso be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in anysuitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be describedabove as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed assuch, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some casesbe excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may bedirected to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. Only a few examples and implementations are disclosed.Variations, modifications and enhancements to the described examples andimplementations and other implementations may be made based on what isdisclosed. It is recognized that while certain embodiments of thedisclosure are described in terms of a specific sequence of steps of amethod, these descriptions are only illustrative of the broader methods,and may be modified as required by the particular application. Certainsteps may be rendered unnecessary or optional under certaincircumstances. Additionally, certain steps or functionality may be addedto the disclosed embodiments, or the order of performance of two or moresteps permuted. All such variations are considered to be encompassedwithin the disclosure and claimed herein.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features as applied to various embodiments, it will beunderstood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in theform and details of the device or process illustrated may be made bythose skilled in the art without departing from the contents of thedisclosure. The foregoing description is of the best mode presentlycontemplated. This description is in no way meant to be limiting, butrather should be taken as illustrative of the general principlesembodied herein. The scope of the present disclosure should bedetermined with reference to the claims.

What is claimed is: 1.-5. (canceled)
 6. A method for immobilization of afacet joint, comprising: approaching a lateral aspect of a first facetjoint that comprises an articulation between an inferior articulatingprocess of a superior vertebral bone and a superior articulating processof an immediately inferior vertebral bone; positioning a first segmentof an orthopedic implant to abut a lateral side wall of said superiorarticulating process of said inferior vertebral bone; positioning asecond segment of said orthopedic implant to extend medial to a lateralside wall of said first facet joint; attaching said first segment tosaid lateral side wall of said superior articulating process of saidinferior vertebral bone; and attaching said second segment to saidlateral side wall of said first facet joint.
 7. An orthopedic implantconfigured for attachment to and immobilization of a facet joint, saidorthopedic implant comprising: an elongate platform having a first endand a second opposing end; and an elongate element disposed at saidsecond end of said elongate platform, wherein said first end isconfigured to be attached to a lateral side wall of a superior articularprocess of an inferior vertebral bone of said facet joint, and whereinsaid elongate element is configured to be attached to a lateral sidewall of a superior vertebral bone said facet joint.
 8. An orthopedicimplant configured for attachment to and immobilization of a facet jointincluding a superior vertebral bone and an immediately inferiorvertebral bone, said orthopedic implant comprising: an anterior columnimplant configured to be positioned within a space between said superiorvertebral bone and said inferior vertebral bone; and a posterior columnimplant configured to be attached to a lateral side wall of a superiorarticular process of said inferior vertebral bone and a lateral sidewall of said superior vertebral bone, wherein said orthopedic implantprovides circumferential decompression to said facet joint.